The Drummond Y9 (NBR Class G) 0-4-0ST Shunters

The NBR Class G locomotives were introduced by Drummond. The
first two were purchased in 1882 from Neilson & Co, to their standard design. Originally purchased
for dock shunting, they proved to be eminently suitable for light shunting in both docks and the
Scottish lowlands. A total of 38 were built, with the last being built in 1899.

Although the term "pug" was used for different engines on different railways (eg. the Caledonian
men called all tank engines "pugs"), the NBR reserved the name "pug" for these engines. Typically,
the Y9s were driven by youngest drivers and firemen. However, senior men would also be posted on the
Y9s for health reasons, or as a form of demotion for misdemeanors on the mainline. Apparently more than
one driver known for speeding, ended up spending a number of years shunting Y9s at Leith Docks!

Rebuilding with new boilers started in 1913. Nos. 308, 343, and 344 were withdrawn in 1921/2, and
had not been rebuilt. Five had not been rebuilt by Grouping: No. 1103 was withdrawn in 1923, whilst
the other four were rebuilt in 1923. At Grouping, the LNER classified them as Class Y9.

No. 10087 was withdrawn in 1938, and the remaining 33 survived until 1953. These were withdrawn
between 1953 and 1962.

The Y9s were renumbered many times during their life with the NBR, and received preliminary numbers
from the LNER, before being given 9000 series numbers in 1924.

The new boilers fitted between 1913 and 1923 had similar dimensions to the originals, but the
safety valves were located under the dome. The only other major change with these rebuilds, was the
replacement of the leading coupling rod ends with a solid-bushed pattern.

The Y9s were fitted with dumb buffers. Originally these were solid wood, but were eventually replaced
with a metal framework covered with plate. However, the wooden buffer beams were kept.

Due to the small size of the coal bunkers (18cwt), various 4-wheeled wooden coal carriers were used
as tenders. When used, these were connected with a conventional three-link coupling. For main-line
running, two safety chains were added. In 1939, No. 9308 had its rear buffers removed, and a central
drawgear added, so making the tender a permanent fixture. In 1944, Nos. 9011, 9063, 9144, 9146,
and 10083, also had central drawgear fitted.

Technical Details

Cylinders (x2):

14x20in.

Boiler:

Diameter (max):

3ft 9 5/8in

Length:

10ft 4 3/8in

Heating Surface:

Total:

788 sq.ft.

Firebox:

49 sq.ft.

Tubes:

739 sq.ft.

Grate Area:

10 sq.ft.

Wheels:

3ft 8in

Total Wheelbase:

7ft

Tractive Effort:

9845 lb

Length:

23ft 8.75in

Weight:

(full)

27t 16cwt

Water Capacity:

720 gallons

Coal Capacity:

18cwt

Preservation

Models

The Hornby Caledonian Railway (CR) 'Smokey Joe' model is based on a series of locomotives ordered by the CR
from Neilson. These are essentially the same standard Neilson design as the Y9, but differ in a number of details
including the buffers, safety valves, and cab side sheets. It should be possible to adapt the Hornby model into
a Y9.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the P.H. Groom collection for permission to use the above photograph of BR No. 68100.